Bill H.1511
188th (2013 - 2014)

An Act to reform foster care services for children with regards to best interest representation

Bill Title: An Act to reform foster care services for children with regards to best interest representation

By Mr. Moran of Boston (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1511) of Deborah Raptopoulos for legislation to reform foster care services for children with regards to best interest representation. The Judiciary.

SECTION 1: Section 25 of Chapter 119 of the Massachusetts General Laws is hereby amended by adding after Section 1 the following section:-

“SECTION 2: If the court commits a child to the custody of the department, the court shall appoint a best interest representative for the child. Every child with a care and protection case open, therefore, shall have a best interest representative. Presently the child's attorney does not represent the child's best interest but instead has an ethical responsibility to represent what the child wants therefore no party comes into court with the sole purpose of representing the child."

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